Top 10 Florida Athletes To Ever Play in the Sunshine State

A Look at The Best Florida Athletes

Who are the best athletes to ever play in Florida? We’re taking a look at the best players to ever play in the Sunshine State.

Whether they made a name for themselves on the court, on the college football gridiron, or they are currently wowing fans on a hockey rink, there are plenty of names to mention.

No. 1: Deion Sanders

Sanders was born in Fort Myers and played college football for Florida State. He played primarily as a cornerback, but he also played running back and wide receiver. Sanders played all over the country in the NFL and won the Superbowl twice.

Aside from football, Sanders played in the MLB for the New York Yankees and the Atlanta Braves.

No. 2: LeBron James

James is currently a free agent in the NBA but he has played all over the country. He played high school basketball in Ohio and was then the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

With his most recent stint in Miami, James helped lead the team to multiple championships.

No. 3: Dan Marino

Marino is a former NFL quarterback who played for the Miami Dolphins. He holds dozens of NFL records and even though he’s never won a Super Bowl, he led the team to the playoffs many times.

Marino was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.

No. 4: Dwyane Wade

Wade played college basketball for Marquette and he was the 5th overall pick in the 2003 NB Draft. He is currently a free agent and he has quickly established himself as of the most popular professional basketball players.

No. 5: Derrick Brooks

Brooks is a former NFL player who played college at Florida State and then was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995.

Brooks was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 and he is currently the co-owner and president of the Tampa Bay Storm.

No. 6: Dave Andreychuk

Andreychuk is a former NHL player who has played for countless teams, including the Tampa Bay Lightning.

He is one of the highest scoring left wings in NHL history.

No. 7: Bobby Bowden

Bowden is most known for his coaching career at Florida State and other schools, but he used to be a darn good quarterback. He played college ball at Alabama and Howard and played running back, too.

While he was the coach of the Seminoles, he led the team to two national championship wins in 1993 and 1999.

No. 8: Charlie Ward

Ward is a retired NBA player and a college football Heisman Trophy winner. Considered one of the best all-around athletes in the country, Ward has been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Ward played football at Florida State and was selected by the New York Knicks as the 26th overall pick in 1994.

No. 9: Chris Evert

Evert is a former World No. 1 professional tennis player who won 18 Grand Slam championships and she has reached more single finals than any other male or female player, ever.

Evert is now an analyst for ESPN.

No. 10: Jameis Winston

Winston is currently the quarterback for Florida State and he won the Heisman Trophy in 2013. He helped to lead his Seminoles to a National Championship win in 2013 and he also plays baseball for FSU.

Winston grew up in Alabama and he’s been selected to play in the MLB in 2012, but he has decided to continue his college education.

We know there are many different athletes in the state of Florida who have proven to be excellent. This list represents who we view as the top ten.

Top 10 Florida Athletes To Ever Play in the Sunshine State
by Sports Talk Florida

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